Ghana recently hosted two major academic events that brought together partners from three continents: the second workshop of the DAAD-funded SEED Exchange project and the DAAD Alumni Workshop on Open Energy Modelling. Over the course of two weeks in Sunyani, participants reflected on shared challenges, exchanged expertise, and strengthened networks committed to building sustainable and socially owned energy systems.
The SEED Exchange project connects the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) in Ghana, the University of Oldenburg in Germany, and the University of Antioquia together with the NGO Change the World in Colombia. This collaboration has evolved into a platform for transdisciplinary teaching and research, and the Sunyani workshop marked an important moment to take stock of achievements and to plan ahead. At UENR, the workshop was hosted by Prof. Samuel Gyamfi, Director of the Regional Centre for Energy and Environmental Sustainability (RCEES), whose leadership and team ensured smooth coordination. The opening ceremony was graced by the Vice Chancellor of UENR, Prof. Elvis Asare Bediako, who emphasized the university’s commitment to international partnerships and research that serves national development.
Throughout the sessions, presentations and discussions tackled both technical and social aspects of energy transitions. Dr. Edwin Chica of the University of Antioquia shared insights from Colombia’s energy landscape, while Claudio Madaune from the NGO Change the World outlined the importance of linking academic research to community-driven solutions. Faculty from UENR and the University of Oldenburg added perspectives on institutional cooperation, curriculum exchange, and the development of the Living Lab and Remote Lab within the SEED Exchange project.
The workshops also drew strength from the active involvement of DAAD alumni across Africa. Participants represented Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Namibia, bringing valuable insights from their local contexts. Among them, Wisdom Ahiataku Togobo, a leading energy consultant and former director at the Bui Power Authority and Volta River Authority, contributed reflections that linked workshop discussions to Ghana’s national energy strategy. The visit of Ms. Lena Neumer from the DAAD Information Centre in Ghana was another highlight, as she engaged participants on potential future funding opportunities and schemes for sustaining collaboration.
An important part of the program was the industrial tours, which exposed participants to Ghana’s renewable energy infrastructure in practice. At the Bui Dam, they observed the integration of hydro and solar power. They also visited the Kaleo Solar Power Plant under the Volta River Authority, gaining insight into the country’s large-scale photovoltaic development. Beyond the energy sector, participants were also introduced to the rich biodiversity and natural attractions of Ghana, with visits to the Jirapa Dubai Resort, Mole National Park, and the Kintampo Waterfalls. These experiences provided a broader appreciation of the host country’s cultural and environmental heritage.
Group workshops, panel discussions, and a hackathon fostered collaboration among students, faculty, and alumni, encouraging them to design practical solutions to energy challenges. Informal exchanges during meals, bus rides, and evening conversations further deepened personal and professional connections. By the conclusion of the program, participants had not only advanced their understanding of energy systems but had also strengthened a network that spans institutions, disciplines, and continents.
The two weeks in Ghana underscored the power of academic cooperation to bridge global divides. They celebrated the achievements of the SEED Exchange project, elevated the role of DAAD alumni in shaping Africa’s energy future, and reaffirmed the commitment of UENR and its partners to advancing sustainable energy solutions through research, education, and practice. The workshops were a milestone, demonstrating that with vision, collaboration, and commitment, academic partnerships can leave lasting impacts far beyond the classroom.
